After as soon as wanting like they might decide within the prime half of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bucs have gone on a three-game win streak. That has bolstered Tampa Bay’s playoff possibilities, whereas additionally altering the place they’ll decide when they’re on the clock subsequent April. At 7-6, the present draft order has them choosing at No. 19.
In the event that they had been to win out or go 3-1 the remainder of the best way, it might seemingly maintain them the place they’re or push them into the early 20s. No matter how the remainder of the season shakes out although, the previous couple of weeks have offered an extra look into areas of the crew that want enhancing within the offseason, totally on the defensive aspect of the soccer.
Bucs head coach Todd Bowles – Photograph by: USA Right now
The final wave of mock drafts roughly two weeks in the past had a reasonably even break up when taking a look at which a part of the roster to handle. Whereas accidents have performed an element within the protection’s struggles this yr, it’s clear that the unit is in want of extra starpower and depth versus the offense.
Including an edge rusher must be on the prime of listing subsequent yr, as the surface linebacker room has struggled to file sacks. Getting one other younger pass-rusher to pair with Yaya Diaby must be the purpose long-term whereas nonetheless growing 2024 second-round decide Chris Braswell. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson might be free brokers, so there may very well be added urgency ought to one or each of them depart.
It has change into a revolving door of types at inside linebacker as Okay.J. Britt and J.J. Russell didn’t play final week. That led to the crew enjoying Vi Jones and including veteran Deion Jones to the observe squad this week. With none of those gamers wanting just like the long-term reply and the query about how a lot Lavonte David has left within the tank, that is one other place that may very well be addressed on Day 2.
Bucs WR Jalen McMillan – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
The secondary has suffered accidents at each place all through the season however has seen higher cornerback play as of late. Including one other cornerback to offer depth together with one other younger security into the combo wouldn’t harm. The line of defense is fortified with the perfect inside pass-rushing duo within the league in Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, however they might nonetheless use one other defensive lineman which might bump Logan Corridor into extra of a rotational function.
Offensively, the crew has obtained extra manufacturing out of its vast receivers for the reason that return of Mike Evans. Between Evans, the seemingly re-signing of Chris Godwin, and 2o24 third-round decide Jalen McMillan, there may be sufficient expertise in place to argue in opposition to taking one of many prime gamers on the place within the upcoming draft. Nonetheless, normal supervisor Jason Licht might see it as the perfect avenue to construct out the room for the longer term.
With the Bucs’ present standing and largest roster wants documented, PewterReport.com appears to be like on the newest mock drafts this month and what they’ve in retailer.
Texas A&M DL Nic Scourton and LSU LT Will Campbell – Photograph by: USA Right now
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M EDGE Nic Scourton
Although the Buccaneers have been capable of scheme up strain in Todd Bowles’ blitz-friendly system, they don’t have an edge rusher who can create disruption on his personal. In actual fact, they don’t have an edge rusher with greater than three sacks. Scourton has 5 sacks this season after main the Large Ten with 10 at Purdue final season. His energy, leverage and numerous set of pass-rush strikes are evident on tape — traits that maintain an offensive sort out guessing for 60 minutes.
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
Chris Godwin is a pending free agent and lately suffered a season-ending ankle harm, whereas Mike Evans will flip 32 years outdated earlier than the beginning of subsequent season. Sure, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 2024 third-round decide Jalen McMillan and 2023 sixth-round decide Trey Palmer, they appear extra like secondary items.
As an athlete, Egbuka is extraordinarily explosive, fluid, and versatile, with greater than sufficient vertical pace. He can sear and slice his means via zone-coverage appears to be like but additionally has the intentional motion, snappy suddenness, and spatial consciousness to win in opposition to man protection. Along with his high-end instruments and talent to mix into many alternative roles, Egbuka looks as if a lock for the primary spherical — the query is, how early will he go?
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
The Buccaneers love their edge defenders with size and heavy fingers. Shemar Stewart has each. This is without doubt one of the extra bodily gifted abilities on this yr’s class, however he wants refinement along with his move rush plan to be able to assist him be able to complete his strain alternatives.
However Stewart is efficient defending the run and has all of the instruments to be a disruptive power. Taking part in for Todd Bowles, Stewart seemingly will get his fair proportion of free runs to the quarterback within the Bucs’ aggressive scheme, too.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren – Photograph by: USA Right now
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Penn State TE Tyler Warren
No. 19 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Texas A&M DL Shemar Stewart
For an edge rusher, Shemar Stewart is big. He’ll play too excessive at instances, however can collapse the pocket along with his measurement/energy/power. He has a fast first step, even for his measurement, and the ability to shoot gaps. And when the bull rush doesn’t get house, his large body permits him to knock down passes. He has a hair-on-fire motor and constantly performs with energy and athleticism.
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Georgia EDGE Jalon Walker
Tampa Bay’s linebacker room goes to be actually interchangeable with strain able to being utilized from any angle. Jalon Walker is a extra polished move rusher at this level, however his measurement will predicate a full-time function as an off-ball linebacker.
Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen – Photograph by: USA Right now
No. 16 – Tampa Bay Bucs: Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen
Buccaneers followers would possibly initially query drafting a defensive sort out, given the presence of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey. Nonetheless, Nolen is greater than only a conventional sort out—he’s a former 5-star defensive lineman with elite athletic potential at 6-foot-3, 305 kilos. His mix of burst and physicality permits him to line up as a 4i or 5-tech defensive finish, making him a wonderful match to bolster the Buccaneers’ move rush, a vital space of want.
